Studies show that over 60% of watercolor artists upgrade their supplies within their first year. You’ve likely experienced the frustration of muddy colors or paint that won’t blend properly. The right tube watercolors can transform your work completely. We’ll explore seven trusted sets that professionals swear by—and reveal what actually separates the best from the rest.
Quick Overview
- Professional-grade pigments with superior lightfastness ensure artwork maintains vibrant colors without fading over time.
- 12ml tube sizes offer optimal balance between affordability, portability, and sufficient volume for regular use.
- Rewettable formulas allow artists to reactivate dried paint, enabling seamless blending and reducing waste.
- High pigment concentration with excellent transparency supports layering techniques essential for watercolor depth and luminosity.
- ASTM D-4236 and acid-free certifications guarantee safety and archival quality for long-lasting artistic pieces.
| Royal & Langnickel Watercolor Artist Tube Paint 24-Pack |
| Vibrant & Reliable | Color Count: 24 colors | Tube Size: 12ml | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Castle Art Supplies 24 Watercolor Paint Set |
| Best Overall | Color Count: 24 colors | Tube Size: 12ml | Safety Certification: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MEEDEN Watercolor Paint Tubes Set 24-Pack 12ml |
| Student-Friendly Essential | Color Count: 24 colors | Tube Size: 12ml | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 & AP standards | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Chalkola Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes & Palette |
| Complete Starter Kit | Color Count: 36 colors | Tube Size: 12ml | Safety Certification: ASTM D4236 & EN71 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set 36 Colors with Brushes |
| Best Value Set | Color Count: 36 colors | Tube Size: 12ml | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| U.S. Art Supply 12-Color Professional Watercolor Paint Set |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Color Count: 12 colors | Tube Size: 12ml | Safety Certification: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Daniel Smith Extra Fine Essentials Watercolor (6 Tubes) |
| Professional Grade Essentials | Color Count: 6 colors | Tube Size: 5ml | Safety Certification: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Royal & Langnickel Watercolor Artist Tube Paint 24-Pack
If you’re seeking vibrant, mixable colors in an affordable starter set, Royal & Langnickel’s 24-pack delivers. You’ll get 12ml tubes with medium viscosity that provide excellent coverage across your watercolor projects. The paint mixes beautifully, giving you flexibility to create custom shades from the included twenty colors—from deep Prussian Blue to warm Burnt Sienna. Each tube conforms to ASTM D-4236 safety standards, ensuring you’re working with quality materials. Whether you’re experimenting with landscapes or portraits, this extensive palette gives you the versatility experienced artists appreciate without breaking your budget.
- Color Count:24 colors
- Tube Size:12ml
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236
- Additional Accessories Included:None
- Lightfastness/Permanence:Not specified
- Skill Level Target:All levels
- Additional Feature:Medium viscosity formula
- Additional Feature:Excellent mixing characteristics
- Additional Feature:Great color coverage
Castle Art Supplies 24 Watercolor Paint Set
The Castle Art Supplies 24 Watercolor Paint Set stands out as the ideal choice for artists seeking professional-quality pigments without breaking the bank. You’ll appreciate the improved formula delivering richer, more vibrant colors with enhanced permanence and vegan-friendly ingredients. Each 12ml tube contains highly pigmented paint that you can use straight from the tube or dilute with water for luminous washes and layering. The lightfast-rated pigments resist fading, ensuring your artwork maintains its vibrancy over time. You’ll love the rewet-and-reuse feature—dried paint reactivates with water while maintaining color consistency. The screw cap design prevents leaks, keeping everything fresh. With its 4.7-star rating from thousands of reviews and money-back guarantee, you’re making a smart investment in your artistic journey.
- Color Count:24 colors
- Tube Size:12ml
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Additional Accessories Included:None
- Lightfastness/Permanence:Lightfast-rated pigments
- Skill Level Target:All levels
- Additional Feature:Rewet and reuse capability
- Additional Feature:Vegan-friendly ingredients
- Additional Feature:Money-back guarantee included
MEEDEN Watercolor Paint Tubes Set 24-Pack 12ml
For students and beginners seeking quality without compromise, MEEDEN’s 24-pack offers an ideal entry point into watercolor painting. You’ll receive 24 vibrant colors in convenient 12ml tubes, each formulated with high-quality pigments that deliver exceptional clarity and luminous results. The paints feature strong tinting strength and outstanding lightfastness, allowing you to create lasting artwork. Safety-certified to ASTM D-4236 and AP standards, they’re non-toxic and acid-free, making them suitable for artists of all ages. Developed collaboratively with professional designers, MEEDEN’s set exceeds traditional manufacturing standards while remaining accessible and affordable for your artistic exploration.
- Color Count:24 colors
- Tube Size:12ml
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 & AP standards
- Additional Accessories Included:None
- Lightfastness/Permanence:Outstanding lightfastness
- Skill Level Target:Students & beginners
- Additional Feature:Strong tinting strength
- Additional Feature:Luminous clarity
- Additional Feature:Professional designer collaboration
Chalkola Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes & Palette
Whether you’re just picking up a brush or you’ve been painting for years, Chalkola’s 36-tube watercolor set delivers artist-grade quality that’ll grow with your skills. You’ll appreciate the extensive package: 36 vibrant 12ml tubes featuring metallic colors, 10 brushes, and an organized palette. The tubes minimize waste through controlled dispensing, making them ideal for both studio work and travel. Non-toxic and acid-free, these paints meet ASTM D4236 and EN71 safety standards, so you can paint confidently alongside kids. Whether you’re tackling canvas or watercolor pads, this versatile set transforms your artistic vision into reality while maintaining professional results across every project.
- Color Count:36 colors
- Tube Size:12ml
- Safety Certification:ASTM D4236 & EN71
- Additional Accessories Included:10 brushes & 1 palette
- Lightfastness/Permanence:Not specified
- Skill Level Target:All levels
- Additional Feature:Includes metallic colors
- Additional Feature:Portable travel-friendly set
- Additional Feature:Minimizes paint waste
Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set 36 Colors with Brushes
Artists seeking vibrant, professional-quality colors without breaking the bank’ll find the Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set an excellent choice. You’ll receive 36 highly pigmented colors in 12ml tubes alongside three brushes, all housed in a compact 13.3 x 7.5-inch case. The non-toxic, acid-free formulation works safely for all ages and performs exceptionally on paper with excellent transparency and saturation. You can easily blend and mix colors for customization, adjusting density with water for both wet and dry techniques. Layered applications maintain clarity of primary colors, and the set maintains its rating of 4.3 stars across 682 reviews, proving its reliability among watercolor enthusiasts.
- Color Count:36 colors
- Tube Size:12ml
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3
- Additional Accessories Included:3 brushes
- Lightfastness/Permanence:Not specified
- Skill Level Target:All levels
- Additional Feature:High saturation transparency
- Additional Feature:Wet and dry techniques
- Additional Feature:Customer feedback pricing policy
U.S. Art Supply 12-Color Professional Watercolor Paint Set
The U.S. Art Supply 12-Color Professional Watercolor Paint Set delivers vibrant, rich pigments in convenient 12ml tubes. You’ll appreciate the smooth application and excellent color blending capabilities that enable seamless shifts across your work. The included color mixing wheel helps you create customized shades for diverse artistic projects. Durable aluminum tubes protect your investment while supporting various techniques from sketching to landscape painting. Whether you’re a beginner refining your skills or an experienced artist tackling professional work, this set’s versatility accommodates all levels. You’ll find it’s an essential addition to your watercolor collection.
- Color Count:12 colors
- Tube Size:12ml
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Additional Accessories Included:Color mixing wheel
- Lightfastness/Permanence:Not specified
- Skill Level Target:Students, beginners, & professionals
- Additional Feature:Durable aluminum tubes
- Additional Feature:Color mixing wheel included
- Additional Feature:Smooth blending application
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Essentials Watercolor (6 Tubes)
If you’re just starting your watercolor journey or looking for a portable set that won’t weigh you down, Daniel Smith’s Essentials Watercolor set offers six carefully selected 5ml tubes that’ll give you everything you need. You’ll get three cool primaries—Hansa Yellow Light, Quinacridone Rose, and Phthalo Blue—plus three warm primaries: New Gamboge, Pyrrol Scarlet, and French Ultramarine. This balanced selection lets you mix virtually any secondary color you’ll encounter. Whether you’re tackling landscapes, still lifes, or portraits, these essentials provide the foundation for mastering color mixing. The convenient tube size makes it ideal for plein air painting, and it’s compact enough to throw in your bag.
- Color Count:6 colors
- Tube Size:5ml
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Additional Accessories Included:None
- Lightfastness/Permanence:Not specified
- Skill Level Target:Beginners & professionals
- Additional Feature:Cool and warm primaries
- Additional Feature:Plein air painting ready
- Additional Feature:Wide secondary color mixing
Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor in Tube
When you’re selecting watercolor tubes, you’ll want to evaluate pigment quality and vibrancy first, as these directly affect your painting’s visual impact and color intensity. Consider the tube size and volume alongside your budget and painting frequency, then assess the color range selection to guarantee you’re getting the hues you actually need. You should also verify lightfastness ratings and permanence standards, check for safety certifications, because these factors determine whether your artwork will endure or fade over time.
Pigment Quality and Vibrancy
Quality matters when you’re selecting watercolor tubes because pigment excellence directly determines how vibrant and saturated your colors will be. Higher-quality pigments deliver richer, more intense hues that elevate your work’s visual impact.
You’ll also benefit from superior lightfastness, which protects your artwork from fading over time. When pigments resist light exposure effectively, your vibrant colors remain true for years.
Additionally, highly pigmented watercolors provide exceptional color payoff. You can dilute them with water and still achieve vivid results without sacrificing saturation. Transparent pigments further enhance vibrancy by creating luminous washes and depth in layered techniques.
Finally, premium pigments offer excellent mixing characteristics. You’ll build a broad color spectrum from a limited palette without dulling vibrancy, giving you versatility and control.
Tube Size and Volume
Beyond selecting pigments with superior vibrancy, you’ll want to evaluate tube size and volume—two practical factors that directly impact your painting experience and budget. Standard 12ml tubes offer a balanced option for most artists, while 5ml sizes suit beginners exploring new colors without overcommitting. If you’re tackling extensive projects or paint frequently, 36ml tubes provide superior value and guarantee you won’t run dry mid-session.
Consider your workflow and budget carefully. Smaller tubes let you experiment affordably with diverse palettes, whereas larger volumes minimize waste and replacement costs over time. Ultimately, matching tube size to your usage patterns guarantees you’re investing wisely while maintaining the paint supply you need for uninterrupted creative sessions.
Color Range Selection
The colors you choose determine your painting’s visual impact and creative flexibility. When selecting watercolor tubes, prioritize sets containing primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—alongside earth tones. These essentials form the foundation for mixing virtually any hue you’ll need.
Look for highly pigmented formulations that deliver vibrant, luminous results. Quality pigmentation directly affects your painting’s clarity and depth. Don’t overlook specialty colors like metallics or unique hues; they’ll expand your artistic range and add distinctive character to your work.
The quantity of colors matters greatly. A wider selection enables you to explore various techniques and styles more freely, enhancing your creative expression. You’ll realize that investing in sets with diverse color options accelerates your artistic growth and versatility.
Safety Certifications Matter
While you’re evaluating watercolor tubes, don’t overlook safety certifications like ASTM D-4236 and EN71—they’re your guarantee that products have been rigorously tested and contain no harmful toxins. These certifications confirm that manufacturers have eliminated dangerous chemicals, protecting you from allergic reactions and other health risks.
When you choose certified watercolors, you gain confidence that the materials meet established safety standards. Brands displaying these certifications demonstrate their commitment to quality and responsibility, signaling that they’ve undergone rigorous testing protocols.
Whether you’re a professional artist, educator, or beginner, certified products provide peace of mind. You’re investing in materials that prioritize your wellbeing while delivering reliable artistic performance. Prioritizing safety certifications guarantees you’re selecting watercolors you can trust completely.
Lightfastness and Permanence
When you’re selecting watercolor tubes for work that’ll be displayed or exposed to sunlight, lightfastness becomes essential. This property refers to a pigment’s ability to resist fading over time, directly impacting your artwork’s longevity.
Check the ASTM ratings on tube labels—”A” grades guarantee excellent lightfastness, while “B” or “C” ratings indicate weaker fade resistance. For professional work, prioritize pigments specifically labeled “lightfast” to guarantee color vibrancy persists for years.
Modern watercolors increasingly use synthetic pigments, which offer superior permanence compared to traditional organic pigments that deteriorate more quickly. These enhanced formulations maintain color integrity through decades of display and sunlight exposure.
Investing in permanent pigments protects your creative investment, guaranteeing audiences experience your intended colors rather than faded, compromised hues.
Mixing and Blending Ability
Beyond ensuring your colors won’t fade, you’ll want to contemplate how well your watercolors actually mix and blend on the palette and canvas. Watercolors with excellent mixing characteristics enable you to create a wider range of hues and shades by combining different colors effectively.
Medium viscosity paints facilitate smoother blending and layering when you add water, enhancing vibrancy and depth. Look for highly pigmented formulas that offer better tinting strength, allowing vivid colors even when diluted. Watercolors that rewet easily let you reactivate previously dried paint for seamless blending and fluid applications.
Transparent watercolors prove particularly valuable for layering techniques, enabling you to build depth without losing clarity in underlying layers. These qualities collectively determine how responsive your paints are to your artistic vision.
Price Point Comparison
As you evaluate watercolor tubes, price becomes a critical factor in your purchasing decision. Basic sets start around $15 to $30 for 12ml tubes, while professional-quality options range from $30 to over $100. You’ll find better value by comparing the cost per milliliter across different sets, since a 24-tube set at a similar price to a 12-tube option offers considerably more paint. Premium brands command higher prices because they use superior pigments with enhanced transparency and lightfastness—essential for serious artists whose work demands longevity. Don’t overlook retailer discounts and bundled sales, which can notably improve your value. Ultimately, you should balance quality with budget, ensuring you’re investing in tubes that’ll actually enhance your artistic practice.
Skill Level Compatibility
Your experience level fundamentally shapes which watercolor tubes will best serve your artistic goals. As a beginner, you’ll want non-toxic tubes meeting ASTM D-4236 safety standards, paired with affordable sets offering diverse colors in smaller 12ml sizes for experimentation without waste.
Once you’ve developed foundational skills, you’re ready to prioritize pigment quality. Intermediate artists benefit from highly saturated, vibrant hues that support advanced color mixing and layering techniques essential for complex compositions.
If you’re a professional, invest in tubes boasting excellent permanence ratings and lightfast qualities. These guarantee your finished work maintains its vibrancy across decades.
Regardless of your skill level, seek rewettable formulas that respond consistently to water. This feature assures versatility and maintains application consistency throughout your creative process.
